Grave damage has been done, quite disgracefully, to the reputation of Ted Heath by Operation Conifer, the name given to the investigation by Wiltshire police of allegations of child sex abuse against the former Tory Prime Minister. From the outset the police gave every indication of believing that Heath was guilty, flagrantly denying him the presumption of innocence, a cardinal feature of the rule of law. When the operation was wound up last year, the police declared that they were calling a halt for “lack of sufficient evidence”, leaving an appalling shadow of doubt over Heath.
Alistair Lexden is among a number of peers on all sides in the Lords who are pressing for an independent judge-led inquiry into Operation Conifer. He raised the issue by means of an oral question on April 17, receiving support from all parts of the House. Follow the link to read the unsatisfactory answers that he and others were given…. theyworkforyou
A further question on the subject was asked from the Conservative benches on April 19. The campaign to secure justice for Heath goes on.